A Darjeeling Gangtok tour is the most popular hill holiday from West Bengal, and with good reason: tea gardens, Kanchenjunga views, monasteries and a high-altitude lake, all within a short drive of NJP or Bagdogra.
Best time to visit
March to May and October to December are the best months. Skies are clearer for Kanchenjunga views, and Nathula Pass and North Sikkim are more likely to be open. Winter (December to February) brings snow at Tsomgo Lake and Nathula, but some roads can close after heavy snowfall.
How many days do you need?
- 4 nights: Darjeeling 2 nights + Gangtok 2 nights – the classic first trip
- 5 nights: add one more night in Gangtok for local sightseeing
- 7 nights or more: add Pelling or North Sikkim (Lachung and Yumthang Valley)
The usual route
Start at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport and drive about 3 hours to Darjeeling. After two nights, drive to Gangtok via the Teesta valley. End the trip back at NJP or Bagdogra.
What to see
Darjeeling
- Tiger Hill sunrise, Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the zoo
- A tea garden and the ropeway
Gangtok
- MG Marg in the evening
- Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass (permit needed; Nathula is closed on some weekdays)
- Local sightseeing: Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, Enchey Monastery, Banjhakri Falls
Good to know
- Carry a photo ID and two passport photos for Sikkim permits.
- Small cars are not allowed in North Sikkim; an SUV is used there.
- Book early for Durga Puja, Diwali and the Christmas–New Year week – hotel prices rise in peak dates.
Want a ready plan? See our Sikkim and Darjeeling packages or send us your dates on WhatsApp.
Want to make this trip happen?
Tell us your dates and group size – we’ll send an itinerary and quote.